Things to Do in Santa Monica, Los Angeles A popular resort town known for its beaches and hospitality. The area features the Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade, with plenty of shops and restaurants nearby.
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Museum of Flying ★ 4.5 · 531 Science Museum★
Museum exploring Southern California's aviation history through historic aircraft & artifacts.
Mon–Wed Closed
Thu–Fri 10 AM – 4 PM
Sat 10 AM – 4 PM
Sun 10 AM – 4 PM
Beadahs Craft Workshop
Mon–Tue Closed
Wed–Fri 11 AM – 6 PM
Sat 11 AM – 6 PM
Sun 11 AM – 6 PM
Tehran Market ★ 4.6 · 543 Market
Stalwart grocer specializing in Persian & Middle Eastern goods, including pastries, cheese & bread.
Bergamot Station Arts Center ★ 4.5 · 520 Art Gallery
Diverse space featuring several art galleries with rotating exhibits, plus spaces for rent.
Mon Closed
Tue–Fri 10 AM – 6 PM
Sat 10 AM – 6 PM
Sun Closed
Aero Theater ★ 4.6 · 583 Theater
Independent movie theater with a throwback feel features vintage Hollywood & foreign films.
Paper Source Craft Workshop
Chain for decorative paper, crafting supplies & quirky gifts, plus custom stationery.
Mon–Tue 10 AM – 7 PM
Wed–Fri 10 AM – 8 PM
Sat 10 AM – 7 PM
Sun 11 AM – 6 PM Where to eat & drink in Santa Monica
Milo & Olive ★ 4.4 · 1.7k Italian· $30–40
The name is as cute as a button, but the wood-fired pizzas turned out of this kitchen are serious business.
Mon–Thu 7 AM – 9 PM
Fri 7 AM – 10 PM
Sat 7 AM – 10 PM
Sun 7 AM – 9 PM
Lokl Haus ★ 4.8 · 230 Coffee Shop· $10–20
Mon Closed
Tue–Fri 7:30 AM – 3 PM
Sat 8 AM – 3 PM
Sun 8:30 AM – 3 PM
10 Speed Coffee ★ 4.3 · 286 Coffee Shop· $10–20
A coffee shop and roaster dedicated to small batch roasting, known for its connection to cycling and active lifestyle communities and cafe culture.
Mon–Fri 6 AM – 4 PM
Sat 6 AM – 2 PM
Sun 6 AM – 2 PM
Bru's Wiffle Santa Monica ★ 4.5 · 1.4k Brunch· $20–30
Casual joint serving waffles in a range of breakfast & lunch dishes, including with fried chicken.
The Brixton ★ 4.5 · 811 Gastropub· $20–30
Stylish neighborhood gastropub for comfort food small plates, craft cocktails & beer & wines on tap.
Mon 12 PM – 9:30 PM
Tue–Wed 12 PM – 10 PM
Thu 12 PM – 10:30 PM
Fri 12 PM – 11 PM
Sat 9:30 AM – 11 PM
Sun 9:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Blueys Santa Monica ★ 4.5 · 968 Café & Bakery· $20–30
Aussie-inspired breakfast & lunch cafe with acai bowls, organic sandwiches, burgers, juices & more.
Mon–Fri 7 AM – 4 PM
Sat 8 AM – 4 PM
Sun 8 AM – 4 PM
Primo Passo Coffee Co ★ 4.5 · 587 Coffee Shop· $1–10
This casual coffeehouse features indoor & outdoor seating, plus a chic, glass-heavy space.
Every day 6:30 AM – 6 PM
Rae's Restaurant ★ 4.6 · 1.2k Diner· $10–20
Old-school diner serving up American eats such as classic breakfasts & chicken-fried steaks.
Every day 6:30 AM – 2 PM
The Penthouse ★ 4.4 · 1.0k Californian· $100+
Perched atop Huntley Hotel, this trendy American eatery is famed for cocktails & panoramic views.
Mon–Thu 7 AM – 11 PM
Fri 7 AM – 2 AM
Sat 7 AM – 2 AM
Sun 7 AM – 11 PM Planning time in Santa Monica?
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1 Museum of Flying 2 Milo & Olive 3 Beadahs 4 Tehran Market 5 Lokl Haus 6 10 Speed Coffee 7 Bergamot Station Arts Center 8 Bru's Wiffle Santa Monica 9 Aero Theater 10 The Brixton Other areas in Los Angeles Ready to plan Santa Monica? Turn these Santa Monica picks into a day-by-day Los Angeles plan, with every place checked for closures and booking needs on your dates.
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